ModFab

Modfab partners with ME Program in Hunter to Upskill Students in STEM skills using 3D Printing & CAD

Modfab is proud to continue their collaboration with the ME Program, RDA Hunter since 2015. In 2015, Modfab successfully trained teachers and provided 3d printers for the Mini Me Program. The training being delivered was a 1 Day 3D Printing & CAD: STEM to STREAHMD (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, History, Maths and Disability) course, accredited by BOSTES at proficient teacher standards ensuring 7 hours of registered professional development upon successful completion. Since its inception in 2013, Modfab has trained in excess of 280 teachers from primary school, high school and TAFE.

3D Printing is proving to be one of the most adaptable and innovative technologies of the 21st century, with diverse applications spanning medicine, engineering, art, design and even the domestic realm. This evolving technology is also being used in the education sector, transforming the STEM curriculum and creating powerful learning tools for higher order thinking.

“The advantage 3D Printing has over traditional STEM teaching methods is that it includes 21st century technology and learning. Students have the ability to create their own designs using CAD, customise and prototype these designs and create tangible objects.” says Ben Roberts, Founder.

As a 3D printing technology business in Australia focussing on the needs of the educators in relation to 3D printing and CAD technology, Modfab collaborates with educators from primary school through to TAFE, creating customised and comprehensive training to meet their needs. Modfab also engages with businesses who are adopting this technology to enhance their skills base and give them an edge such as Nebo Engineering, Ontoto Pty Ltd and Enware Pty Ltd to name a few.

“3D printing is multi-sensory, so it is an engaging way to incorporate STEM curriculum in the classroom. Students are so enthralled with the project they barely notice the complex mathematics and engineering they are applying”, says Heike Roberts, Co-Founder.

Technology also encourages critical thinking with students developing creative solutions to problems. For example Figtree High School team Chad Dewhurst, James Kuzman, Tiffanie Doan, and Chris Kiotis worked together through project based learning to create a 3D Printed articulated hand. Using 3D Printing technology and CAD, they were able to conceptualise, customise and prototype their design. This complete end-to-end process connects the digital world with the physical, making STEM relatable and exciting to students- reinvigorating the curriculum. Modfab has trained 3D Printing and CAD STEM Skills to students from year 1 through to year 12, and students are always amazed at the possibilities of seeing their CAD digital projects materialise

Not limited to the classroom 3D Print technology is reaching far and wide, with one particular project seeing Modfab collaborate with ALPA to deliver training to Indigenous Australian elders in remote communities “The Plastic Fantastic Project” which was developed as a school attendance initiative, and turns recycled plastic milk bottles into 3D filament and finally objects such as iPhone covers, sunglasses and toys. The visual nature of the CAD software and multi-sensory aspect of 3D Printing enables participants to grasp technology and concepts very quickly.

There is a pressing need for Australia to diversify its export base and reduce the heavy dependence on resources and agriculture. Australians are great inventors, adapters and innovators. Using additive manufacturing, Australia could use its highly educated workforce in the areas of engineering, art, science, architecture, construction, medicine and manufacturing to create goods with significant added value through customisation and prototyping. This will be a major game changer in both Australian education and the future of manufacturing in this country.

If you wish to organise for 3D Printing and CAD training with Modfab, please contact MOD Fab on;